DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle)

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Applicants from the eligible-country list on the DAAD page (select your country to check). Sandwich model: a Master's or Diplom (exceptionally a Bachelor's) by the start of funding. Cotutelle model: admitted to a doctoral programme by the start of funding. Your latest degree should be no more than six years old, a started doctorate no more than three years, and you cannot have lived in Germany for more than 15 months.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

This DAAD programme funds research stays in Germany for doctoral candidates registered abroad, either under a sandwich model with bi-national supervision or a cotutelle agreement between two universities.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Applicants from the eligible-country list on the DAAD page (select your country to check). Sandwich model: a Master's or Diplom (exceptionally a Bachelor's) by the start of funding. Cotutelle model: admitted to a doctoral programme by the start of funding. Your latest degree should be no more than six years old, a started doctorate no more than three years, and you cannot have lived in Germany for more than 15 months.
2. Note the deadline. Jun (annual; the DAAD portal opens on 1 June and closes on the date stated each year, usually similar to the previous year - funding must begin in 2027 for the current round) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Admission or offer letter for your chosen programme; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
6. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle)?

Applicants from the eligible-country list on the DAAD page (select your country to check). Sandwich model: a Master's or Diplom (exceptionally a Bachelor's) by the start of funding. Cotutelle model: admitted to a doctoral programme by the start of funding. Your latest degree should be no more than six years old, a started doctorate no more than three years, and you cannot have lived in Germany for more than 15 months.

What does DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) cover?

EUR 1,400 a month plus a research allowance of EUR 460, health and liability insurance, and travel allowances on application, for 7 to 24 months of research in Germany as part of a doctorate based in your home country

When is the deadline for DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle)?

Jun (annual; the DAAD portal opens on 1 June and closes on the date stated each year, usually similar to the previous year - funding must begin in 2027 for the current round) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle)?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle)?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Admission or offer letter for your chosen programme; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) application?

Very High: DAAD portal form + CV + motivation letter + 10-page research proposal + research schedule + German supervisor declaration + recommendation form